Former Bank of England rocker plucks his way to charity stardom
REGULAR readers of this page will be familiar with ex-Bank of England MPC member and now PwC economist Andrew Sentance’s second career as a part-time rock star. He has been putting his musical credentials to good and public use, making a charity appearance with his band Revelation. The concert, which Sentance told The Capitalist raised over £500 for his two chosen charities, was in aid of BuildIt International and Chikupira Foundation. Sentance said afterwards: “I am a trustee of BuildIt and singer Bryan Adams is the patron. My wife Anne, who plays keyboards in the band, is a trustee of Chikupira, a charity that supports a school in Malawi.” It seems that Adams was not the inspiration for the setlist though, which included decidedly un-rock covers including as Kelly Clarkson’s Since You’ve Been Gone. Revelation fans will have to be patient to catch the next gig – Sentance tells The Capitalist the next show isn’t until the summer of 2013.
■ THE first working distillery to open in the City for over 200 years threw open its doors last night to the delight of vodka and gin connoisseurs across the Square Mile and beyond. The new City of London Distillery is both a working distillery and bar, offering tastings and the chance to watch master distiller Jamie Baxter in action as he works from the two traditional copper stills housed in the basement of the building. With over 90 gin varieties on offer The Capitalist is sure G&T seekers will discover a blend to tickle even the most refined tastebud. The distillery can be found at 22-24 Bride Lane, EC4Y 8DT and contacted on 0207 936 3636. Cheerfully, admission is free.
■ AT the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards yesterday afternoon, HSBC chairman Douglas Flint was proudly explaining how his firm gives investment banking staff a strict code of conduct to abide by. But Flint’s words did not go down well with Mark Garnier MP, a member of the Commission and former investment banker himself. Garnier was quick to share his opinion that, had he been given such a behavioural guide when he was a banker: “I would have folded it up into a paper dart, thrown it across the dealing room and got back to trying to make some business.” So much for improving the perception of banks – not to mention politicians.